Hexane

Hexane, also called hexanes, is a mixture of straight-chain alkanes with six carbon atoms. It consists of approximately 60 percent n-hexane, varying amounts of the isomers 2-methylpentane and 3-methylpentane, and smaller amounts of non-isomer alkanes. Hexane is colorless and odorless when pure and has a boiling point of roughly 69°C (156°F).

This solvent cannot be easily deprotonated and is therefore used in labs for reactions involving very strong bases, like preparing organolithiums. Hexane can also extract oil and grease from water and soil. In chromatography, hexane is used as a non-polar solvent, but its alkanes may interfere with analyses if the sample becomes contaminated.

Hexane is obtained primarily by crude oil refinement and its composition depends on the source of the oil and the refining process.